Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The impact of the Gulf conflict is being felt across sectors, with several LPG consumers in the district facing difficulty in getting cylinders despite online bookings. Meanwhile, authorities have found that some small and medium hotels are using domestic gas cylinders meant for household use.
The district supply department has formed 11 inspection teams and conducted checks at 167 hotels in the last two days. On Monday, officials seized 38 domestic LPG cylinders from 23 hotels in Kannad, Gangapur and Sillod tehsils, district supply officer Pravin Phulari said. Cases will be registered against the concerned hotel operators.
The supply of commercial LPG cylinders has been disrupted since March 5, prompting some hotels, eateries, messes and catering services to use domestic cylinders. The department has also reviewed LPG stocks with distribution agencies and launched a special inspection drive at hotels since Sunday.
Officials said there is currently only a limited shortage of domestic LPG, but if the situation worsens, the government may consider supplying kerosene through ration cards in rural areas. Kerosene distribution had been discontinued in the district since 2016.
There are also discussions that 19-kg commercial cylinders, normally priced around Rs 1,960, are being sold for over Rs 4,000, though no action has yet been taken against suppliers. Some small hotel operators have criticised the authorities for acting against them while ignoring the agencies supplying cylinders at higher prices.